My next preamp: Cary SPL-90 CLONE

Feanor

Feanor

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With apology to Chinese and/or clone haters (and/or Canadian haters) ... Sorry about that: suck it up or quit reading now.

I have ordered from AliExpress this Cary SPL-90 clone. I ordered mine with the PSVANE 'ART' 12AU7-5 tubes, (can be ordered without tubes)

Whole case & remote.jpg

UPGRADE.jpg
ZeroZone_PCB=PR112A-SPL90 U1.jpg

Of significance, note that the PCB maker is 'Zero Zone' and the part is PRT12A-SPL90 U1.

The preamp comes with remote control input selection and resistor ladder volume control. Only one pair of SE outputs unfortunately. This case and the remote control components are use with a dozen of more different clone types.

LET'S BE CLEAR: I ordered this preamp for FUN without excessively high expectations. I chose the Cary clone knowing the Cary's reputation for classic tube preamp sound, (warm, lush, etc. -- Cary owners fell free to comment). Since my Sonic Frontiers Line 1 is far from being such a preamp, I thought I'd try something the might fit the tube pre stereotype. Assuming it arrives in working order, I will first pair it with my Purifi 1ET400A power amp.
 
Last edited:
Feanor said:
With apology to Chinese and/or clone haters (and/or Canadian haters) ... Sorry about that: suck it up or quit reading now.

I have ordered from AliExpress this Cary SPL-90 clone. I ordered mine with the PSVANE 'ART' 12AU7-5 tubes, (can be ordered without tubes)

View attachment 36046

View attachment 36045
View attachment 36047

Of significance, note that the PCB maker is 'Zero Zone' and the part is PRT12A-SPL90 U1.

The preamp comes with remote control input selection and resistor ladder volume control. Only one pair of SE outputs unfortunately. This case and the remote control components are use with a dozen of more different clone types.

LET'S BE CLEAR: I ordered this preamp for FUN without excessively high expectations. I chose the Cary clone knowing the Cary's reputation for classic tube preamp sound, (warm, lush, etc. -- Cary owners fell free to comment). Since my Sonic Frontiers Line 1 is far from being such a preamp, I thought I'd try something the might fit the tube pre stereotype. Assuming it arrives in working order, I will first pair it with my Purifi 1ET400A power amp.
Click to expand...

Cary IMO isn't actually stereotypical tube. They do have a big bottom end I found them to have good detail without being analytical. They aren't exactly luch. Find a classic Conrad Johnson for some romance. Or, an Audio Note kit.

It's interesting the more tube gear I hear the more I realize most is beyond the stereotype and are different character from one another.

The Cary with Class D should be an interesting match.
 
Mr Peabody said:
Cary IMO isn't actually stereotypical tube. They do have a big bottom end I found them to have good detail without being analytical. They aren't exactly luch. Find a classic Conrad Johnson for some romance. Or, an Audio Note kit.

It's interesting the more tube gear I hear the more I realize most is beyond the stereotype and are different character from one another.

The Cary with Class D should be an interesting match.
Click to expand...

I take you comments serious from a person of experience. I'll hang with the Cary since it was specifically recommended as great with the Transaudio 'D5'. However I deem that the Purifi is more likely to reveal the pure nature of the Cary clone.

Would you consider the C-J PV12 a "classic"? There are a least one PV12 clones at AliExpress. The other available clone is the so-call Conrad Johns 'CL' which I'm told is base on later model C-Js.
 
Michaels HiFi said:
We knew he was lying when he said he'd let it go. He literally can't help himself.

I no longer get bothered by people like that and simply pity them. He posts this stuff as he's desperate for attention at any cost.

So sad to see.
Click to expand...
Ironic perhaps. When Audioshark stated up I was given to believe that a main purpose was to foster more civil discussion than at Audio Asylum. I'm not finding this to be the case.
 
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